Landscape

Drive from Lake Tahoe to Napa

Music- Language of the Soul

Music is the language of the soul it is said. Music in any language does not really require any interpretation. The emotions behind the lyrics can be easily understood if music is an important part of your life and resides in your soul.
As Indians music is also our language...the language of the heart. We are surrounded by music in our lives in joy and sorrow. Music defines us and our culture beautifully. To understand us you have to understand our music and specially the beautiful lyrics of the " Golden era". The songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s are still so close to our hearts as those songs express our emotions so accurately in every situation of life. We have been blessed with great musicians, wonderful singers and poetic lyricists.
Music cannot be separated from us. We listen to music everywhere and as much as we can day and night.
We have songs to represent us in every mood and know exactly which one to choose to voice our thoughts. Through music do we define ourselves...Through music do we live...
Through music do we express happiness and through music do we lift our spirits in difficult times. Through music do we inspire ourselves and through music do we motivate ourselves. Music supports in adversity...
We have to define every moment of our lives through songs and lyrics from songs find their place in our daily conversations with friends and family. My brother, parents and extended family just love singing when going on long drives or at home over tea. We communicate through songs when at loss for words. Every time when family or friends get together music and dance are mostly part of those interactions. "Antakshari" is a favourite game of songs amongst us and in fact in the entire region in that part of the world. As kids and now, it has always been our favourite game and past time under many a starlit nights in summers and around a bonfire in winters. Music connects people and unites souls.
Our songs specially from our movies are famous all around the world. Even in States many times when people from Pakistan and India meet at work or in their personal lives, they relate well to each other through common songs. Late nights when work would be slow my Pakistani friend and I would discuss lyrics of our favourite songs while working or to describe our lives.
In fact in most States girls are taught to sing and learn classical dance from an early age. A man expresses his love through music. In many arranged marriage meetings in some states of India, a girl demonstrates her talent in classical music and dance. Most Indians know all the songs of all the eras by heart as we listen to radio all the time as we grow up at home and outside.
There is music everywhere in our culture. There is music in bells of ladies' anklets and there is music in the numerous bangles we wear. We find music everywhere around us. We find music in the rains and we find music in the wind that caresses the fields. We hear music in the rustling of the leaves... As Indians we are very poetic and find solace in music all the time. Music is balm to the aching heart and peace to tired spirit. For us music is a way of life...We feel curbed if we can't express ourselves through music and dance.

PINK

The True Princess of her times

Sometimes one life is meant to touch millions of lives and not be touched by "the one" in the true sense.

She had so much to give in terms of love and compassion to the world. She touched so many lives and made a great difference in this world through her dedication to causes that she stood up for and firmly believed in.

She had abundance of love as the entire world loved her. But on the other hand , the one kind of love that she was really seeking for endlessly only escaped her every time as soon as she found it. The one and only true love that defines a woman the most was never hers to stay with her or meant to be owned in the life she lived. It is very tragic that a lady who was admired by so many could not be favoured much by destiny which did not give her most of all what she really hoped for and wanted.

 Love is complex...Love as they say has it's own destiny. Some find it forever and for some it finds them only to be lost forever. This is my interpretation of whatever little I saw of the second half of the  movie "Diana" the story of the most famous, loving and graceful lady or true princess of her times, Princess Diana.

She won so many hearts and yet her heart searched forever...Her story as portrayed by this movie stirred many emotions within me and one has to say that love even though the most beautiful emotion in this world can be powerful enough to destroy you as well and being loved by so many can even make you feel so alone.

"Sometimes the best teachers are those who are still learning the lessons of life as they know the cost of not following lessons learnt and the price they are paying for it..."

Words of motivation...

Sometimes in a new environment one needs to find things or writings to motivate you to start a meaningful journey in your new phase of life. You need all the inspiration to make the beginning meaningful and worthwhile. I was just scanning the Horoscope section ( Predictions by Peter Watson)  in an old edition of the Indian magazine "Bazaar Fashion" and I stumbled across some really wise and ever inspiring mottos.These mottos caught by attention and stood out in that page as if calling for my attention particularly at a time when I most needed it. The ones I really connected with are-

"Write kindnesses in stone but injuries in sand"

"Courtesy is the oil that lubricates the daily grind"

I am so glad to have come across these words. When you start out in a new world away from your home,it is the first lot of people who enter your lives then who make the most difference to your new journey as they leave behind deep impressions good or bad that connects you to the new place or alienates you from it. 

Bonsai-The Lives of certain Women(Beautiful yet stunted...)

The past week I have been watching numerous movies and documentaries on women from different cultures around the world. It was not that much of a surprise to discover that many women from different religions and countries share the same fate.  In certain regions, religions or cultures in the east as well as west where orthodox way of life is still prevalent in regard to women, some with emerging times may have risen to find some amount of independence and freedom to express themselves but that too is within limits.

Today women from many such places may have found an independent definition of living their lives or so it appears. In fact many such women it seems may be living their choices and dreams in life but actually those so called choices too are dictated by their families and those around them in their conservative society.

These women may be allowed to grow individually only to a certain extent by their society just so as to keep pace with modernity for the sake of appearances but in the end the decisions of their families prevail. Their dreams are still ruled by others.   Their families decide everything for them from the direction of their education to the choice of career  and from deciding their way of life to the choice of a suitable husband.

These women may be allowed to pursue careers but their ambitions are controlled by others with limited thoughts. They may be allowed to grow but only in moderation. These women remind me somewhat of " bonsai" trees that are not allowed to grow to their fullest potential and their roots are stunted.  As beautiful as their lives may appear like that of a bonsai, such restrictions curb their true identity and hinders their growth in the real sense.  Their world is shrunk in the miniature pots of age-old rigid beliefs surrounding women. These women may have finally found a voice but they still are not allowed to truly express their needs and wants. Their lives are expected to  still revolve solely around fulfilling the desires of others but themselves even in that so called independent journeys they may have been permitted to take.

Everybody has the right to live their choices and not those made by others. Everybody has a right to decide what they want in life as it is their journeys to travel and not that of others. As I say in living your choices does one truly live your life and find a path meant for you. That does not mean that one cannot live a life based on the decision of others but only if it is well within the boundaries of peace, contentment and joy. The day living the dreams of others does not provide contentment, that day life could be burdened with regrets and endless disappointment and pain. There are many modern and highly educated women from conservative backgrounds who may have found an independent path but are still lost in finding the true journey that they could actually live to enjoy.

" Beauty is not found in a place but in the memories you gather there...A beautiful place holds no value if it does not hold good memories for you. "

                                                                                                         -Simrit

A poet's introduction...

It is important to have a heart of a poet to understand the language of poetry. Poets find love in misery...Poets find inspiration in adversity...
Poets find hope in struggle and in weakness they find strength, resolve and determination to survive.
Poets translate the deeper meaning of life by drawing the essence of life through sensitivity and perception which not all can possess.
In happiness poets finds sadness and in sadness joy because they know that everything is not as it appears to be. Life is a fleeting moment for them and so they experience and cherish lives far more deeply than others.
A poet romances life and death in the deepest form. A poignant story of two poets stirred so many emotions in me tonight that I took to writing after so long.
From the time I have had a change of environment in my life, I have just not had the time to write much because of the new demands of life though poetic thoughts come to my mind all the time. But tonight is different ! After watching the tragically beautiful Turkish drama (The Butterfly's Dream as interpreted in English), emotions come live in me again. I feel that you can write anywhere if one wants to and one should never renounce deep expressions in life.
It is such great sensitivity towards life and others that makes you so appreciative of all that is around you. And poetry is a source of strength and can be relied upon to provide solace in facing some of life's battles. Such is the power of poetry ! Such is the miracle and power of deep expression and words.
Poetry is the dance between emotions and words where one always requires the other to complete the dance.

Kenzo Napa - Kaiseki Tasting Menu

Kenzo Napa

Last night I had the honor of being invited to Kenzo restaurant in Napa which has been introduced to the Wine country by Kenzo Estate winery founders. It was an evening to remember ! Their generous hospitality in addition to their truly traditional and fine Japanese cuisine contributed in making the evening very special. In all the ambience, delicious food and conversations with their wonderful Manager as well as experienced Chefs gave us a very pleasant and enriching dining experience. And also it deepened our knowledge of Kaiseki dining.The colour combination and taste of wines from the Kenzo Estate Winery beautifully complemented and matched the taste and artistic combination of the sushis from the Chef's selection.
 I loved the sushis prepared by the Chef and more so because I could use my hand to eat them which is allowed in Kaiseki dining. The Kagoshima Yellowfish marinated in vinegar was delightfully delicious when paired with egg omelet. The sushi course consisted of  Flounder, Hallibut, Stripped Jack, Toro ( fatty underbelly of Blufin Tuna), Needle fish and Negitoro maki ( Toro & Chive roll) as explained by their wonderful Manager James. The matcha ice cream with a drizzle of the right amount of condensed milk paired with green tea was the perfect ending to a uniquely wonderful dining.
The evening also ended  with yet another pleasant surprise of receiving autographs of the famous Chefs which is a great  honour and a tradition of fine restaurants in Japan. I shall always treasure the autographs of Chef Eiji Onoyama and Chef Atsushi Okawara on the rice paper Kaiseki Tasting Menu. 

Sacramento

Washington D.C

One does not need to give up one's identity and roots to adapt to a new culture or country. What is needed is to embrace the new with all that is in you and not without it as then in the true sense will that will mark a true journey in your life . A journey of growth begins not with over adapting but with adapting and yet retaining what you already have.
You don't have to give up yourself or lose yourself to embrace the new. You can accept the new environment with an open mind and yet treasure the old. Finding something new in your life does not mean giving up the old. Embrace the new but also retain the old !

This too shall pass ! Tomorrow is another day ! These are golden words for all who are going through phases of transition or phases of sadness in their lives. It is true that each moment is another moment...And nothing remains forever...

There is a season for everything. Time has seasons too...There is a season for happiness and there is a season for sadness. Time is constantly changing ! So however many roadblocks, problems and challenges you may face in your everyday lives at home or away from home they can be overcome in time through patience, belief and hope.  Nothing lasts forever.

 There will be lots of moments of sadness and difficulty in your lives but remain as determined as ever  and hopeful of embracing better moments in times to come. When you do not find answers to all that you are questioning or searching in life, life answers them for you through it's decisions in it's own time. In due course of time you will find the purpose of your life visible. Fate is stronger than your wants and dreams most times. And you just have no choice but to accept what comes your way ! Life has it's own wants from you and if you truly fulfill your destiny by accepting what is meant to be , you will find peace and happiness. But you would say to yourself that all this is easier said than done. Who says it would be easy !? But belief works miracles and your belief and determination to succeed in battling all the difficulties in your life may bring you much closer to your destination. What cannot  kill you will  not destroy you...

Cultural Interactions are a two way process where both sides have to participate or become involved in being culturally sensitive to each other to make it a pleasant interaction. I always believe that give what you expect ! Give and you will receive... If you want people to be sensitive to your beliefs, thoughts and way of life then you too must offer them the same sensitivity. I often find people too rigid in their approach in accepting others' cultural beliefs and yet they want others to readily accept what they want out of them without a doubt or question. That is a completely selfish and inconsiderate approach. We must meet each other half way if we want any interactions to be successful in life . 

A Child's Right to Expression

Communication, Acknowledgement as an individual and the Right to Expression are some of the words or phrases that come to my mind when I think of children in the school or home environment. We cannot curb their right to express themselves as their expression would be an insight into their way of thought which if negative can be transformed and channelised into something positive while there is still time.

 We lose out on really knowing the children around us if we do not encourage them to talk, interact or discuss. Silence or lack of communication can alienate children from us. We must try to understand their wants and dreams instead of forcing them to accept ours all the time. Also we should welcome differences in thoughts.

We can tactfully motivate them but not force them. We can give them options and alternatives but not choose for them. Children need to be accepted as individuals too. Children should have the freedom to think and question and good parenting would be to be as honest as possible with your children. Of course all this has to be encouraged within boundaries of course as they are still learning the ways of life and we cannot afford to have them lose track because of unlimited freedom. Nothing in excess is good.

 So freedom of expression and the right to being an individual must be given but within the right boundaries by guiding them in the right way in the right direction through examples and discussions. Allow them to form their own opinions even if at times it may clash with yours. For instance your child may relate better to a grandparent, relative or friend that you may not get along with and you should be able to accept that without reservations. To be a good role model and guide to your children, one has to first free oneself from all negativity and one has to refrain from being judgemental. Always be accessible and reachable to your child in every way every time specially emotionally. In this stressful modern environment children are faced with stress, questions and life changing decisions every day more than our times and we should be sensitive to all that they are going through. 

Interaction with other cultures- Embrace it !

Embrace other cultures wholeheartedly ! Welcome and accept other cultures without reservations. As I always say embrace others with their differences however challenging that may seem at times. In being rigid in your approach to various cultures, you may be robbing yourself the pleasure of absolutely wonderful experiences in store for you. In not developing an interest in other cultures is in a way denying yourself interesting interactions with many people near you at the grassroots level and limiting a lifetime possibility of exciting adventures in exploring far away places. With the introduction of different cuisines from all around the world around you and cultural events brought to your country from outside , you may think that you are already immersed in other cultures but you are not really experiencing cultures upclose and personal till you actually include other nationalities in your lives through personal or work interactions. So always have a place for people different than you in your life as according to me  "opposites attract" knowledge ! And more knowledge about a way of life of others is always very interesting !

 Before embarking on a long journey to distant places, one must remember to brighten and awaken one's passion for travelling and leaving behind your comfort zone to start with. Once on the "journey away from home or at home to meet new cultures",  do not forget to sharpen your cultural sensitivity and flexibility to open yourself to new discovery of customs, beliefs and ways of life different than yours. Be prepared to deal with cultural shock too however well prepared you may be in your knowledge about that culture. However well versed you may be with different ways of life in various cultures, you are always in for a surprise in dealing with people of other nationalities as new interactions between culturally different strangers can be quite complex sometimes. Last of all clear communication is important in any interaction specially concerning people with cultural differences and as long as genuine communications flow from the heart one can never go wrong even if one is not fluent in a foreign language.

"Through travel do you learn about yourself and discover what you are searching for to define your existence completely."

            - Simrit Kapila

Such is Life !

 Transition is just not a mere word but a way of life and process to grow as an individual. Through transition do you actually connect to your deeper self as you discover a new side to yourself that you thought never existed in that phase in how you adapt to change and accept things you cannot change. Life is but change...
Life changes everyday...Relationships and people change every day for better or worse. In each moment of our lives we are experiencing change. Life changes for good and bad and in that we find our journey of  happiness, disappointments, heartbreaks and peace.
Transition may involve breaking of hearts and pain but such experiences truly define you in the long run because of the way you react to those situations. But change is not bad all the time. A relationship for instance matures beautifully when it changes with time when subjected to different experiences, conditions and environment.
 Transition does not mean that something has to break or be destroyed every time as it can also mean enhancement of your life and birth of something wonderfully new ! Yet we are mostly intimidated by the concept of change as to many it means loss of something valuable or loss of someone precious in that time and that is very painful. And sadly we cannot resist change or transition however unexpectedly unpleasant it may be. But we also have to remember that pain and joy are two sides of the coin of transition and one gives way to the other in time. Transition is never easy but it still has to be accepted and lived...Such is life ! Asi es la vida !